Book feeding mechanism



Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. THORP BOOK FEEDING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 28, 1961 INVENTOR. JAMES H. THORP ATTORNEYS Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. THORP 3,117,684

BOOK FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 28, 1961 v 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

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E 20 T k l l I l 7 Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. THORP 3,117,634

BOOK FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 28, 71961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,117,684 BOOK FEEDHNG MECHANISM James H. Tharp, Hartford, Conn., assignor to The Smyth Manufacturing Company, Bloomfield, Conn, a ccrpo= ration of Connecticut Filed June 28, 1961, Ser. No. 120,425 9 Claims. (Cl. 214-89) This invention relates to an improved book feeding mechanism of a type which is particularly adapted for use in a casing-in machine wherein unbound books are treated with paste on their outer leaves and secured in a case. A book feeding mechanism of the general type referred to is shown and described in United States Patent No. 716,959, dated December 30, 1902, and a casing-in machine of the type mentioned is disclosed in United States Patent No. 690,959, dated January 14, 1902.

In book feeding mechanisms of the type referred to, a rotatable turret is provided with a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddle plates mounted thereon for rotation therewith about a vertical axis and for vertical sliding movement relative thereto. The saddle plates are adapted to support uncased books in inverted attitude astride horizontal upper edge portions thereof and an operating means is provided for intermittenlty rotating the turret whereby to bring the saddle plates successively to a working station with books thereon. At the working station each saddle plate is lowered between opened paste rolls and is then raised between the rolls to place a book thereon in a waiting case, the rolls being closed to engage and paste outer leaves of the book as the plate reaches its lowermost position. Subsequent rotation of the turret brings a succeeding saddle plate and book to the working station and moves the saddle plate carrying the cased or bound book to an unloading station.

Feeding mechanisms of the type mentioned have been generally satisfactory, but certain disadvantages have been encountered in their use. In order to accommodate books of different sizes and to provide for accurate engagement of paste rolls or the like with the outer leaves thereof, it has been necessary to provide adjusting means to effect change in the lowermost or working position of the saddle plates and books. Conventionally, such adjusting means have included holders supporting the saddle plates on the turret and which are adapted for vertical adjustment of their respective plates. With such an arrangement, several adjustments are necessary each time that books of different size are encountered and this has proven to be a somewhat tedious and time-consuming task. Additionally, the provision of saddle plate holders makes it somewhat difficult to effect a desirably rigid connection of the plates with the turret. As a result, problems of saddle plate vibration has been encountered and this has imposed a severe limitation on the overall speed of operation of the book feeding mechanisms.

It is the general object of the present invention to provide a book feeding mechanism of the type mentioned and which includes a gang adjusting device operable in a single adjustment to effect identical vertical changes in the lower or working positions of each of a plurality of saddle plates.

A second and more specific object of the invention is to provide an adjusting device of the type mentioned which is operable to effect the desired identical changes in the working positions of the saddle plates without aifecting any change in upper or idle positions of said plates at the aforesaid working station.

The drawings show a preferred embodiment of the invention and such embodiment will be described, but it will be understood that various changes may be made from the construction disclosed, and that the drawings and 3,117,684 Patented Jan. 14,1964

description are not to be construed as defining or limit ing the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section taken generally as indicated at 1-1 in FIG. 2 and showing a book feeding mechanism embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the book feeding mechanism of FIG. 1 with portions broken away for a better showing of details.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken generally as indicated at 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the parts shown in FIG. 3 with a cover plate removed to show interior parts.

FIG. 5 is a twoposition schematic showing of a portion of the book feeding mechanism illustrating the effect of an adjusting device in the mechanism.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken generally as indicated at 6-6 in FIG. 1.

1G. 7 is an enlarged end view of a portion of a book supporting plate with two books illustrated schematically thereon and the relative positions of paste rolls illustrated schematically.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be includes a supporting frame comprising upstanding front observed that a book feeding mechanism shown therein and rear plates 1t and 12 and upstanding left and righthand side plates 14 and 16. Mounted on the right-hand side plate 16 is a bracket indicated generally at 18 and which includes a shaft housing 20 and a table 22 having a horizontal upper surface 24 best shown in FIG. 3. Supported on the table surface 24 is a barrel-like turret 26 adapted for rotation about a vertical axis.

The turret 26 carries a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddle plates, and, as shown, three such plates 28 28 and 28 are provided. The saddle plates 28 28 and 28 are equally spaced circumaxially about the turret 26 and vertically extending dovetail inner edge portions thereof are received respectively in complementary vertically extending dovetail slots 30*, 30 and 30 formed in the turret 26. The dovetail slots 30 30 and 30 in the turret 26 respectively connect the saddle plates 28 28 and 28 with the turret for rotation therewith but the plates are slidable vertically in their respective slots, lower edge portions thereof being supported vertically by the table surface 24 when the plates assume angular positions other than that shown for the plates 28*. When the saddle plates are in the angular position of the plate 28 they are free to pass downwardly through a notch 32 in the table 22, best shown in FIG. 3. Downward movements of the saddle plates through the notch 32 in the table 22 are effected by means and for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

The construction of the saddle plates 28*, 28 and 28 is preferably identical and, further, each of said plates is referably of unitary construction at least in the region of its dovetail connection with the turret 26. This facilitates the provision of a rigid connection of the plates with the turret and minimizes the likelihood of vibration of the free end portions of the plates. As will be seen, the turret and the saddle plates are indexed or intermittently rotated and vibration is likely to occur at terminal portions of indexing movements, particularly when the added weight of books mounted on the plates is encountered.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the saddle plate 28 has a narrow relatively sharp horizontally extending upper edge portion 34. The plates 28 and 28 are of identical construction and each of the plates 28 23 and 28 is adapted to support an unbound book astride its said upper edge portion in an inverted attitude. Means not shown 3 may be provided to secure books against horizontal movement along the upper edge portions of the plates.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the saddle plate 28' is shown dispo'sedat-aloadingstation A where an unbound book may be placed astride' its upper edge portion manually or by mechanical means not shown. The saddle plate 28 is shown at a working station B. At the working station,

the saddle plates -may be disposed in a fixed upper or idle position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and they may also be lowered to'aworking position indicated in FIG. lby'the broken line36. The plate 28 is shown in FIGS.

.. 2 and-4 at an-unloadingstation C where cased on bound books may be unloaded from the saddle plates manually -or-by mechanicalmeans not shown.

A first operating means for indexing or intermittently rotating the turret-26 to successively move the saddle plates 28 28 and 28 to the stations A, B and C may vary substantially in form. In the form shown, said operating'means includes a cam 38 mounted on and rotated by a shaft 40 best shown in FIG. '2. 'The shaft 40 extends from front to rear in the feeding mechanism and r is journaledin front and rear bearings 42 and 44 mounted respectively in the frame plates 16 and 12. Suitable driving means,'notshown, rotate the shaft 40 whereby to turn thecam '38and to oscillate an associated lever 46. At a which is entered in ajgroove 50 in the cam 38 and a cenlower end portion, the lever 46 carries a small follower 48 tra-lfport'ion of the lever is pivotally supported by a bracket 52. An'upper end portion of the lever 46'is connected with and reciprocates a horizontally extending rack 54 slidablyheld by a bracket 56. The rack 54in turn meshes with and rotates a pinion 58. As 'best shown in FIG. 1,

'the'pinion '58 is mounted at a'lower end portion of a vertical shaft 60 journaled within the aforementioned housing20 of'the bracket 18. At an upper end portion, thesheift '64) is pinned to an indexing head 62, best shown in FIG. 3.

Now itwill be apparent that the cam 38, the lever 46,

"the rack 54,-thepinion 58, and the shaft 60 can be -adapted for'operation to impart clockwise and counterclockWVise angular movements of approximately 120 to the head 62. As shown, the'head 62 moves'angularly throughapproximately 120 in a clockwise direction in lani'dlemovementand through approximately 120 in a counterclockwise direction in a working or indexing move- *As bestshown in' FIG. 4, a latching bolt 64 is slidably received in'an open endslot 66 formed in an upper portion'of the indexing-'head'62. Said slot 66 extends transversely through the indexing head-so that the bolt 64 can project-outwardly beyond a peripheral surface 68 of the head as best'shown in FIG. 3. A'biasing spring 69 urges the latchingbolt outwardly from the slot 66 to cause said bolt to engage an inwardly facing cylindrical surface 70 on the turret 26 and to selectively enter three similar 'notches'72, 74 and 76 formed in the turret 26.

The notches 72, 74 and 76 are associated respectively "With the saddle plates23 28 and '28 and they are similarly spaced circumaxially in accordance with the spacing of the'plates. Eachofthe notches 72, 74 and 76 has a rearwardly inclined trailing edge 78 and a substantially radial leading edge. The said rearwardly inclined trailing edges of the notches serve to cam the bolt 64 inwardly in the slot66 and to permit relative clockwise rotation of the indexing head 62, such rotation occurring during the aforementioned idle movements of the indexing-head and bolt. The bolt however enters a notch and, engages its leading edge to index or rotate the turret durof said bolt.

ing counterclockwise working or indexing movements of the indexing head and bolt.

Obviously, in the relationship of parts shown in FIG. 4, the next indexing operation involves a clockwie idle movement of the indexing head 62 and the bolt 64 through approximately 120, entrance of the bolt-64 inthe notch 74, and a counterclockwise working or indexing movement of the indexinghead,'the bolt,- and the turret through approximately 120. The turret 26 and the saddle plates thus have an aggregate counterclockwise indexing movement of approximately 120 bringing the saddle plates 23 28 1 and 28 respectively to the unloading, the working and the loading stations C, B and A.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 it will be observed also that an ejector pin stlis shown operatively associated with the saddle plate'23 and the latching bolt 64. Two similar ejector pins, not shown, are associated with the saddle plates 28* and 28 and the notches 74 and 76 and said pinsoperate with respect tothe bolt 64 and their respective plates in a manner identical with that of-the pin 8%). The pin 80 has an'enlarged rearend portion S2 slidably received in a bore 84 formed in'the turret'26. A small spring 86 urges 'said rear endporti0n 82 of the pinoutwardly into engagement with an arcuatecamming surface 88 formed at an inner edge portion of the saddle plate 28 An en- 'larged inner end portion 99' of the pin 81} is disposed in the notch 72 and engages andservesas an abutment or stop for the latching bolt-64 limiting outward movement When the saddle plate 28 is lowered as mentioned above, the camming surface 88 urges the pin 30 inwardly-to eject the-bolt-64 from the notch 72 and the inner edge surface 89 of the saddle plate 28 holds the pin in suchinward position. This prevents any accidental orunintended movement of the turret 26 by'the bolt during lowering of-the plate 28 to its working position and during subsequent upward movement of said plate to the fixed position shown.

A second operating'means in the book feeding mechanism 'serves to lower the saddle plates atthe working station B from theirfixed upper or'idle position to a lower working position and then to raise the plates to said idle position. I In accordance with the present invention, said 'seeondoperating-meansincludes a gan adjusting device '--which-is operablein a single adjustment to effect identical same form no part ofthe present invention. itis important to-notethat the paste rolls'in a casing-in machine are conventionally fixed against vertical move- -ment and are movableinwardly in unison to engage the Y outer le'aves of uncased books.

For an efiicient pasting operation, the paste rolls should initially engage an unbound book approximately in a-horizontalplane passing through the creases'adjacent the back of the book. Ob-

viously, the vertical position of the crease planes of books of different size mounted on a saddle plate will vary-somewhat when-thesaddle plate is disposed at its lower or working position-by the book feeding mechanism.

roll is shown at'x92. Arrows 93 and 95 indicate the direction and the plane of horizontal movement of the paste rolls. A small book 96'hasits crease'plane 98 located slightly below the upper edge portion of the saddle plate, but a substantially larger book 1% similarly mounted on the saddle plate has its crease plane 1&2 disposed substantially below the crease plane 98.

Vertical adjustment of the working position of the saddle plate 28 through a distance X is obviously necessary for accommodation of the two books shown if the paste rolls 92 and 94 are to engage each book at its crease plane. It will also be obvious that the working position of each of the several saddle plates must be identically adjusted. The aforementioned gang adjusting device accomplishes the necessary adjustment in a simple and direct manner as will be explained hereinbelow.

The said second operating means and the gang adjusting device are best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A slide 104 received for vertical reciprocation in a guideway 186 in the right-hand frame plate 16 is substantially identical in cross section with the dovetail inner end portions of the saddle plates 28 28 and 28. At an upper end portion, a finger 106 on the slide 104 is engageable with a mating finger 108 on a lower end portion of the saddle plate 28*. That is, the finger 108 slides beneath and is engaged with the finger 196 when the turret 26 is indexed to bring the saddle plate 28 to the working station B. The finger 106 projects upwardly in the aforesaid notch 32 in the table 22 when the slide 104 is in its uppermost position as shown and it cooperates with other fingers, not shown, on the saddle plates 28 and 28 in a manner similar to that described for the finger 188.

In the preferred embodiment shown, a second element of the said second operating means comprises a second slide 110 which carries an arm 112. The slide 110 is entered in and guided for vertical reciprocation in a vertical slot 114 in the left-hand side frame plate 14. A small bifurcated latch member 115 fixedly connected at a right-hand end portion of the arm 112 engages a pin 116 carried by the slide 1 04 and serves to connect the slides 194 and 110 for vertical reciprocation in unison.

Drive means for reciprocating the slides 184 and 110 include an oscillable lever 118 pivotally connected at a right-hand end portion to a bracket 120 by means of a suitable pin 122. A cam roller 124 carried on the lever 118 is entered in a cam groove 126 formed in a cam 128 which is fixedly mounted on the aforementioned shaft 40 for rotation therewith.

It will be apparent that the cam 128 will serve to oscillate the lever 118 so that its free end portion will traverse a fixed vertical arc and it will be further apparent that the vertical motion of the free end of the lever can be transmitted to the slides 118 and 104 whereby to effect vertical movements of the saddle plates between their fixed upper or idle position and their lower or working position. A connecting link 130 is provided for transmitting such motion and said link has one end portion pivotally connected with the free end portion of the lever 118 and an opposite end portion pivotally connected with the slide 110. As shown, the opposite or upper end portion of the link 130 is connected pivotally with the slide 110 by means of a suitable bracket 132 and a pivot pin 134. Said one or lower end portion of the connecting link 139 is connected with the free end portion of the oscillable lever 118 by means of the aforementioned gang adjusting device which is indicated generally at 136.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the lower end portion of the connecting link 1311 is bifuracted and is in straddling relationship with the free end portion of the oscillable lever 118. The said free end portion of the oscillable lever has an elongated slot 138 formed therein as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Entered in and projecting through said slot is a pin 14% which also projects outwardly through suitable apertures in the bifuracted end portions of the connecting link 130. Nuts 142 and 144 at threaded opposite end portions of the pin 140 can be utilized to clamp the bifurcated end portion or legs of the connecting link against shoulders 143 and 145 and to secure the pin 140 at an adjusted position along the length of the slot 138. A set screw 146 entered endwise in a suitably threaded opening in the lever 118 engages a re duced diameter center portion of the pin 140 and can be utilized to adjust the position of the pin along the 6 length of the slot 138 with the nuts 142 and 144 loosened for adjustment.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the effect of adjustments of the pin 149 along the length of the slot 138 will be readily understood. In the upper portion of said figure, a point 148 represents the pivot axis of the connecting link 130 at its upper or opposite end portion. That is, said point represents the center line of the pivot pin 134 mentioned above. The aforesaid free end portion of the lever 118 is shown and the reduced diameter center portion of the pin 140 is shown in the slot 138 at each of its end positions and at a center position. A longitudinal center line 150 for the slot 138 is shown with the lever 118 in its uppermost position or at the upper terminus of its vertical arc of oscillation. Also shown is an imaginary are 152 struck from the aforesaid pivot axis 148 and passing through the center line of the pin 140. By mere observation, it will be seen that adjustment of the position of the pin 148 along the length of the slot 138 does not significantly affect the uppermost position of the slide 110. This assures that the uppermost position of the slide 104 is substantially unaffected by adjustment of the position of the pin 140 and that the finger 186 on said slide is properly positioned at all times to engage a finger 108 on a saddle plate. That is, when an indexing movement of the tur ret 26 is completed to bring a saddle plate to the working station E, the finger 106 on the slide 1114 will always be held at the proper vertical position to permit sliding movement of the mating finger on the plate to a position there beneath.

Also by mere observation, the reasons for the inoperability of the adjusting device at the uppermost position of the oscillable lever 1-18 will be apparent. The longitudinal center line 150 of the slot 138 is tangent to the arc 152 struck from the pivot axis 148 so that the distances a, b, c are substantially equal. A straight sided slot as shown is preferred to provide for rectilinear pin adjustment, but it will be obvious that slots of other configurations fall within the scope of the invention.

Considering now the lower portion of FIG. 5, it will be observed that a portion of the oscillable lever 118 is shown therein at its lowermost position. An are 152 struck from the pivot axis 148 in its center position is re lated at a substantial angle with the longitudinal center line 150 of the slot 138. Thus, depending upon the position of the pin 140 along the length of the slot 138, the pivot axis 148 varies substantially in vertical position. The position of said pivot axis may be adjusted through a distance y by adjustment of the pivot pin 14% along the length of the slot 138. The change in the lowermost position of the pivot pin 134 is of course reflected directed in the lowermost position of each of the saddle plates as the plates are lowered by the slide 104. Thus the amount or degree of vertical adjustment of the saddle plates is equal to the distance y and is obviously substantially in excess of that required in FIG. 7 at x. Accordingly, books even larger and/ or smaller than those shown at 96 and can efliciently be handled by the book feeding mechanism.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that identical vertical adjustment in the working position of each of the plurality of saddle plates can be effected in a simple and direct manner and in a single adjustment. This adjustment can be accomplished without affecting the uppermost position of the slide 104 as stated and with the result that efiicient engagement of the slide with each saddle plate is provided for. Still further, no individual vertical adjustments of the saddle plates relative to the turret 26 are necessary and this permits the desired rigid connection of the saddle plates with the turret and minimizes vibration as mentioned above.

The invention claimed is:

1. In a book feeding mechanism for a casing-in machine, the combination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddie plates rotatable with'but movable vertically with respect to the turret and each having a generally horizontal upper edge portion astride which a'book can be supported in an inverted attitude, first operating means for intermittently rotating the turret to successively move the saddle plates to a working station, vertical support means for the saddle plates inoperative at the working stationbut otherwise holding the plates in a fixed vertical positiomsecond operating means engageable with each'saddle plate as the plate reaches said working station to first lower the plate to a working'position and to thereafter raise the plate to said fixed vertical position, and a gang adjusting device in said second operating means operable in a single adjustment to effect identical vertical changes in the working positions of all of said saddle plates,'said adjusting device being operable also to maintain the upper or'fixed vertical position of said saddle plates irrespective of the adjustment of their said working positions.

2; In abook feeding mechanism for a casing-in ma- .chine, the combination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddle plates rotatable withbut movable vertically with respect to the turret and each having a generally horizontal upper edgeportion astride which a book can'be supported'in an inverted attitude, first operating means for intermittently rotating the turret to successively move the saddle plates to a' Working station, vertical support means for the saddle plates inoperative at the working station but otherwise holding the plates in a fixed vertical position, a vertically I ot said saddle plates, said adjusting device being operable also to maintain the upper or fixed vertical position of said saddles plates irrespective. of the adjustment of their said working positions.

'3'. In a book feeding mechanism for a casing-in machine, the combination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddle plates rotatable with butmovable vertically with respect to the turret and each having a generally horizontal upper edge portion astride which a book can be supported in an inverted attitude, first operating means for intermittently rotating the turretto successively move the saddle plates to a working station, vertical support means for the saddle plates inoperative at the working station but otherwise holding the plates in a fixed verticalposition, a vertically reciprocable slide engageable at an upper position with each saddle plate as the plate reaches said working station, an oscillable driving lever having one end portion movable through a fixed vertical arc, and means connecting said one end portion of said lever with saidtslide so that the slide is-first lowered and then raised by said lever to move an engaged saddle plate respectively to a lower working position and to said fixed vertical position, said last-mentioned means including agang adjusting device operable by a single adjustmentto change the lowermost limit of slide movement and to therebyefiect identical vertical changes in the working positions of all of said saddle plates, said adjusting devicetbeing operable also to maintain the upper or fixed vertical position of said saddle plates irrespective of the adjustment of their saidworking positions.

4. In a book feeding mechanism for a casing-in machine, the combination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of radially projecting vertical saddle plates rotatable with but movable vertically with respect to the turret and fill 'h'lving a generally horizontal upper edge portion astride-which'a book can be supported in an inverted attitude, first operating means for intermittently rotating the turret to successively move the saddle plates to a working station, vertical'suppor-t means for the saddle plates inoperative at the working-station but otherwise holding the plates in la fixed vertical position, a vertically reciprocable slide engageable at an upper position with each saddle plate as the plate reaches said working station, an oscillable driving lever having one end portion movable-through a fixed-vertical arc,-a connecting link having one end portion pivotallysecured to said one end portion of said lever, means pivotal-1y securing an opposite end portion of said link in driving relationship with said slide and for vertical movement in unison therewith soth-at the slide isfirst lowered and then raised by [the driving lever to move an engaged saddle plate respectively to a lowerw-orking position and to said fixed vertical position, and a gang adjusting device operatively associated with said connecting ink and said driving lever to change the location of the pivotal connection therebetween whereby to changethe lowermost limit of slide movement without affecting the uppermost limit of slide movement and to thereby effect identical vertical changes inthe working positions of all of said saddle plates while maintaining their said fixed vertical positions. I

5. in a book feeding mechanism fora'casing-in machine, the combination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plunality'o-f radially projecting vertical saddle plates rotatable with but movable vertically with respect to the turret and each having a generally horizontal upper edge portion astride which a book can be supported in an inverted attitude, Ifirst'oper-atingimeans forintermittently rotating the turret to successively move the saddle platesto a working sta-tio-n,=vertical sup-port'means for the saddle platesinopenative at the working station but otherwise holding the'plates in a fixed vertical position, a vertically reciprocable slide engageable at an upper positionwith each saddle plate as thepl-ate reaches said working station, an oscillable; driving lever having one end portion which is movable through a fixed: verticalarc provided with an elongated slot, a connecting link, a 'pivot pin entered in said slot-in said'one end portion of said lever-and pivotally-securing one, end portiono-f said con- "necting link to ,said lever, means pivot-ally securing an opposite end portion ofsaid link in idllVlIlgICl'fltiOllShlP with said slide and for vertical'movement in unison therewith sottihat'the slide is'first lowered and then raised by the driving lever to move an engaged saddle plate respectively to a lower working position and to said fixed vertical position, and a gang adjusting device openable to secure'said pivot pin at selected positions along the length of said slot in said lever,; said slotbeing soformed and arranged that adjustmentof the position of the pivot pin .the-realong changes the lowermost limit of-=slide movement without ait'ectingthe uppermost limit of slide movement and thereby effects identical vertical ohanges-in'the working positionsof all of said saddle plates.

6. Ina book feeding mechanism for a casing-in machine, thecombination of a turret rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of nadially projecting vertical saddle plates rotatable with but movable vertically with respect to'the turret aud each having a generally horizontal upper edge portion astride which a book can be supported in an inverted attitude, first operating means for intermittently rotating the turret to successively'move the saddle plates :to a working station, vertical support means for the saddle plates inoperative atthe working station but otherwise holding the plates in a fixed vertical position, a first ver- :tically reciprocable slide engageable'iat an'upperposition with each saddle plate as the plate reaches said working station, an oscillable driving lever having one end portion which is movable through a fixed vertical are provided with an elongated slot, a connecting link, a pivot pin entered in said slot in said-one end portion of said lever and pivotally securing one end portion of said connecting link to said lever, means ncluding a second vertically reciprocable slide interconnecting an opposite end portion of said link and said first siide so that the first slide is first lowered and then raised by movement of the driving lever to move an engaged saddle plate respectively to a lower working position and to said fixed vertical position, and a gang adjusting device operable to secure said pivot pin at selected positions along the length or" said slot in said lever, said slot being so formed and arranged that adjustment of the position of the pivot pin thereelong changes the lowermost limit of first slide movement without affecting the uppermost limit of said first slide move ment and thereby efiec-ts identical vertical changes in the working positions of all of said saddle plates.

7. The combination in a book ieeding mechanism as set forth in claim 5 wh rein said gang adjusting device is further adapted to vary the position of said pivot pin along the length of said slot.

8. The combination in a book feeding mechanism as set forth in cla m 5 wherein said slot is so formed in said lever fllitt adjustment of said pivot pin along the length thereof approx mately follows an arc struck from a pivot axis at said opposite end portion of said link when said lever is in its uppermost position.

9. The combination in a book feeding mechanism as set forth in claim 8 wherein said slot has a longitudinal center line which is substantially tangent to sai arc when said lever is at its uppermost position.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 3 ll7,684 January 14 1964 James H. Thorp It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2, lines 26 and 27. should appear as shown below i instead of as in the patent:

observed that a book feeding mechanism shown therein includes a supporting frame comprising upstanding front column 3 line l2 for "on" read or lines 26 and 27 should appear as shown below instead of as in the patent:

lower end portion the lever 46 carries a small follower 48 which is entered in a groove 50 in the cami 38 and a cencolumn 6 lines 51 and 52 for "direct.ed"' read directly Signed and sealed this 16th day of June 1964a (SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W9 SWIDER Attesting' Officer EDWARD J., BRENNER Commissioner of Patents 

1. IN A BOOK FEEDING MECHANISM FOR A CASING-IN MACHINE, THE COMBINATION OF A TURRET ROTATABLE ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS, A PLURALITY OF RADIALLY PROJECTING VERTICAL SADDLE PLATES ROTATABLE WITH BUT MOVABLE VERTICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE TURRET AND EACH HAVING A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL UPPER EDGE PORTION ASTRIDE WHICH A BOOK CAN BE SUPPORTED IN AN INVERTED ATTITUDE, FIRST OPERATING MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY ROTATING THE TURRET TO SUCCESSIVELY MOVE THE SADDLE PLATES TO A WORKING STATION, VERTICAL SUPPORT MEANS FOR THE SADDLE PLATES INOPERATIVE AT THE WORKING STATION BUT OTHERWISE HOLDING THE PLATES IN A FIXED VERTICAL POSITION, SECOND OPERATING MEANS ENGAGEABLE WITH EACH SADDLE PLATE AS THE PLATE REACHES SAID WORKING STATION TO FIRST LOWER THE PLATE TO A WORKING POSITION AND TO THEREAFTER RAISE THE PLATE TO SAID FIXED VERTICAL POSITION, AND A GANG ADJUSTING DEVICE IN SAID SECOND OPERATING MEANS OPERABLE IN A SINGLE ADJUSTMENT TO EFFECT IDENTICAL VERTICAL CHANGES IN THE WORKING POSITIONS OF ALL OF SAID SADDLE PLATES, SAID ADJUSTING DEVICE BEING OPERABLE ALSO TO MAINTAIN THE UPPER OR FIXED VERTICAL POSITION OF SAID SADDLE PLATES IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ADJUSTMENT OF THEIR SAID WORKING POSITIONS. 